In the high-stakes world of Ghana’s insurance sector, where economic volatility and regulatory demands test even the most seasoned leaders, Richard Ahulu stands as a pillar of precision and foresight. As Group Chief Financial Officer of Hollard Ghana since April 2019, Ahulu has steered the group’s financial ship through turbulent waters, blending global expertise with local acumen to fuel sustainable growth.
With over 25 years in finance, his career is a masterclass in transforming audits into empires, operations into opportunities, and challenges into cornerstones of success. Ahulu’s journey began in the rigorous halls of PricewaterhouseCoopers Ghana, where he spent four formative years as a Senior Associate. There, he honed his craft, leading statutory audit teams across diverse industries—from manufacturing powerhouses to the intricate webs of banking and finance. This foundation propelled him to Standard Chartered Bank Ghana Limited, where he rose to Audit Manager.
Over two years and nine months, Ahulu orchestrated internal audits across Standard Chartered’s African franchises, serving as both team leader and key player. His scope was vast: dissecting consumer banking operations, scrutinizing corporate portfolios, and probing the intersections of finance, technology, and operations. These assignments weren’t mere compliance exercises; they were strategic dissections that fortified risk management and operational integrity continent-wide.
Ahulu’s ascent was meteoric. As Financial Controller at Standard Chartered Bank Gambia Limited, he shouldered the dual mantle of local regulatory reporting and management insights, ensuring fiscal narratives aligned with both statutory mandates and strategic visions. This role evolved into Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer —an impressive six years and three months—where he orchestrated holistic financial governance, optimizing resources amid West Africa’s dynamic markets.
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Ahulu’s expertise found a natural home at Heritage Bank, where he served as Chief Financial Officer for two years and six months. Here, he championed cost efficiencies and capital allocation strategies that bolstered the bank’s resilience during a period of sector-wide consolidation. His crowning chapter unfolded at Hollard Ghana, a subsidiary of the South Africa-headquartered Hollard International, renowned for innovative solutions in life, general, and funeral insurance.
Starting as CFO —a brief but pivotal one-month transition—he swiftly ascended to Group CFO, overseeing Hollard Insurance Ghana, Hollard Life Assurance, and Hollard Ghana Holdings. Under his stewardship, the group has deepened its broker partnerships, expanded its nationwide Hollard2U agency network, and earned accolades as Ghana’s most broker-friendly insurer. Ahulu’s focus on ESG integration and digital transformation has driven measurable impacts, from enhanced claims processing to inclusive product designs tailored to Ghanaians’ unique risks.
A chartered accountant with a reputation for blending analytical rigor with empathetic leadership, Ahulu has been a fixture in Ghana’s finance elite. Named among the Top 10 CFOs at the 2019 Ghana Finance Innovation Awards, he continues to serve on boards like Negotiated Benefits Trust Company Limited, amplifying his influence beyond Hollard.
TheCFO Magazine’s CFO of the Week recognizes exceptional Chief Financial Officers across the globe, celebrating their outstanding leadership, impactful achievements, innovative solutions, extensive industry expertise, and invaluable contributions to their organizations.
